Stress fractures may not get as much attention as traumatic fractures thanks largely to their subtle symptoms. But the fact is, they’re surprisingly common. In sports medicine alone, stress fractures account for up to 20% of all injuries.
What’s more, it’s not just athletes who are affected. Repetitive activity, overuse, or a sudden increase in activity levels can lead to a stress fracture in anyone, especially people with risk factors like older age, female gender, or osteoporosis.
Because they’re small, stress fractures typically cause milder symptoms than traumatic fractures, and that means it’s easy to overlook them or attribute them to something else, like overexertion. Knowing what symptoms they cause ensures you get timely care that helps reduce the risk of complications.
Thomas E. Powell, MD, and the team at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine specialize in diagnosing and treating stress fractures, offering personalized guidance to help you feel better and reduce your risk of future fractures, too. Here, learn five signs that could mean your pain might be caused by an underlying stress fracture.
Like other fractures, stress fractures typically cause an increase in pain when you move or put stress on the bone. Activities like walking, running, or standing for long periods tend to make discomfort sharper, while rest often brings temporary relief. This pattern can lure you into thinking your injury is more minor than it is, even though the underlying bone is under significant stress.
Unlike generalized soreness typically associated with overworked muscles, stress fractures often cause a very specific, localized pain that’s worse when the area is gently pressed. This type of pinpoint tenderness should never be dismissed, especially if it persists for several days or if it’s associated with the next symptom on this list: swelling.
Swelling that develops gradually — especially without a noticeable traumatic injury — is another symptom you should be aware of. You may see mild puffiness in a specific spot or feel a sense of fullness or tightness around the area, symptoms that tend to get worse with activity.
They may be small, but stress fractures are still a serious bone injury — and not surprisingly, they can take a toll on the way you move. For example, many people with stress fractures in their legs or feet change the way they walk and stand in an effort to reduce painful symptoms.
These movement changes are a protective response, but they also signal that your body is struggling. If you have symptoms that cause you to change how you move, it’s time to schedule an evaluation.
Rest can help ease symptoms associated with many muscle or soft tissue injuries, but with stress fractures, rest only offers temporary relief. Once you move again and put pressure or weight on the limb, your pain returns. This flare-up is a clear sign that the underlying injury isn’t getting better, and it’s also an indication that it’s time to seek treatment.
Stress fractures may start small, but they can lead to serious complications if ignored. Recognizing early symptoms and acting promptly gives you the best chance for fast, effective healing and prevents the risk of complications, like major fractures, complex treatment, and prolonged recovery.
If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, scheduling an evaluation can help determine what’s going on so we can recommend a treatment to get you pain-free and back on your feet. To find out if you have a stress fracture, request an appointment online or over the phone with Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, today.
